Heavy Workpiece Handling Arm With Integrated Lifting Boom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling heavy workpieces in welding and assembly processes are limited by restricted movement possibilities, requiring additional lifting vehicles like forklifts, which can be unavailable or inefficient, leading to increased time and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A holding and handling device with a vertically movable and rotatably mounted support arm, equipped with a clamping device and a lifting mechanism that includes a boom with a block and tackle system, allowing for 360° rotation and flexible positioning without the need for external lifting vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a forklift is used to lift and position heavy workpieces, then the workpiece can be transported from distant locations, but the device complexity and operational time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting function and positioning function into a single integrated device. The support arm with hydraulic lifting mechanism and rotatable mounting directly onto the processing machine, eliminating the need for separate forklift operations and reducing equipment complexity while maintaining workpiece transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm device serves multiple functions: it can lift heavy workpieces, rotate to different angles, position workpieces at various heights, and mount directly to the processing machine. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate forklift and positioning equipment, reducing overall device complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If a forklift is used for workpiece handling, then heavy workpieces can be moved, but the productivity decreases due to waiting time and additional operators
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is pre-mounted on the processing machine and ready for immediate operation. Workpieces can be directly loaded onto the support arm at the machine location, eliminating the waiting time for forklift availability and enabling continuous operation, thus improving productivity while maintaining heavy workpiece handling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing machine itself provides the lifting and positioning function through its integrated support arm, rather than relying on external forklift services. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional operators and reduces operational delays, improving productivity while handling heavy workpieces.
3Device complexity
If the support arm has limited rotation angle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different work positions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm incorporates a rotatable mounting with hydraulic actuation, allowing dynamic adjustment of the arm's angular position. This enables the support arm to adapt to different work positions and orientations while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through the use of standardized hydraulic rotation mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy and quick placement and removal of heavy workpieces, reducing the need for additional lifting equipment and streamlining workflows by allowing single-operator operation with enhanced flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting mechanism that includes a boom with a block and tackle system
Data Source
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AI summary
A holding and/or handling device (2) for heavy workpieces (4), particularly for or in connection with welding and/or assembly processes, is disclosed. This device comprises an upright lifting column (6) on which a support arm (8) is provided that is movable in the vertical direction and rotatable about an approximately horizontal axis of rotation. The support arm (8) has a clamping device (12) at one outer end for receiving the workpiece (4). The clamping device (12) includes a centrally rotatable, in particular through 360°, turntable (14) for receiving the workpiece (4), on which the workpiece (4) can be fixed. Furthermore, the holding and/or handling device (2) has a lifting device (16) which is provided at the upper end of the lifting column (6) above the support arm.The lifting device (16) comprises a boom (18) which is pivotably mounted on the lifting column (6) about a pivot axis (20) that is approximately vertical and/or extends the lifting column (6), in particular by at least 180°. The boom (18) has a connecting element (22) that is movable along the boom (18) for the short-term attachment and vertical movement of the workpiece (4).